A Pineapple-Glazed Ham is the epitome of festive tradition—glorious, golden, and irresistibly sweet. This centerpiece-worthy dish is perfect for holidays, family feasts, or any gathering that calls for something truly special. It combines the savory richness of ham with the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple and the warm notes of brown sugar and cloves, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and celebratory.
What makes this dish shine isn’t just the glaze, but the way it caramelizes and clings to the ham, forming a glossy, sticky exterior that’s visually stunning and deeply flavorful. Each bite offers a beautiful contrast: juicy, salty meat balanced with sweet, aromatic glaze. When topped with pineapple rings and studded with cherries, it’s a vintage showstopper that brings both charm and nostalgia to the table.
Preparation is surprisingly simple for such a dazzling result. You’ll start with a fully cooked bone-in ham, allowing you to focus entirely on enhancing it with flavor, not cooking it from scratch. A few score marks, a rich simmered glaze, and some careful basting are all it takes to transform a simple ham into something memorable.
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Whether served with classic sides like scalloped potatoes and green beans or with tropical-inspired additions like coconut rice and roasted sweet potatoes, this pineapple-glazed ham is a timeless crowd-pleaser. It’s just as delicious hot out of the oven as it is served cold in sandwiches the next day—making it as practical as it is impressive.
Servings: 10–12
Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7–8 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 can pineapple rings (reserve juice for glaze)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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